Beatrice Chebet Confirms Motherhood Plans After Two Incredible Seasons

Double Olympic champion (5000m and 10,000m) Beatrice Chebet has announced she is pregnant and will take a break from competition for the entire 2026 season.

The 10,000m and 5000m world record holder, told Nation Sport that after a busy 2024 and 2025 seasons, she decided to take a break and become a mother.

Beatrice Chebet, a two-time World Cross Country Champion, claimed the 5000m and 10,000m titles at the Paris Olympic Games. She also broke the 10,000m world record, clocking 28:54.14 to win the race at the Prefontaine Classic.

"I really pushed myself to the limit the last two years, and this year, I thought it wise to take time off and recover, and while at it, become a mother,” Beatrice Chebet said.

Before officially confirming the news to Nation Sport, Beatrice Chebet had shared that she would not be competing at the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships.

“The last 2yrs have been more than incredible for us, every goal and dream checked out! Unfortunately, won’t be able to defend my world cross title @worldxcchampionships. Our hearts are full and can’t wait for this next chapter of life…..see you in 2027! @nikewomen @nikerunning @rosassociati @nike,” Beatrice Chebet said.

Many athletes have successfully returned to elite competition after childbirth, with some, like fellow Kenyan Faith Kipyegon, achieving even greater success.

Faith Kipyegon, who became a mother in 2018, has since rewritten the record books. She currently holds the world record in the 1500m (3:48.68) and the mile (4:07.64), along with the African records for the 1000m and 3000m events.

Her absence will be felt at the upcoming 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 11, where many had considered her a top contender despite her not competing in the Kenyan national trials.

The 25-year-old has built a formidable career, securing back-to-back senior World Cross Country titles in Bathurst (2023) and Belgrade (2024), in addition to her U20 victory in Aarhus in 2019.

Kenyan Team for 2026 World Cross Country Championships

With Beatrice Chebet sidelined, Kenya has named its teams for the championships in Tallahassee.

Senior Women: Caren Chebet, Maurine Chebor, Joyline Chepkemoi, Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi, Agnes Ngetich

Senior Men: Kevin Chesang, Daniel Ebenyo, Denis Kipkoech Kipkemoi, Robert Koech, Shadrack Koech, Weldon Langat

U20 Women: Mercy Jelimo, Miriam Chemutai Kibet, Cynthia Chepkirui, Caren Chepngeno, Mercy Chepngeno, Lonah Cherono

U20 Men: Andrew Alamisi, Frankline Kibet, Emmanuel Kiprono, Kelvin Kariankei, Andrew Kiptoo, Edwin Elkana

Mixed Relay: Purity Chepkirui, Reynold Cheruiyot, Judy Kemunto, David Kipkoech, Winfred Mbithe, Daniel Munguti